instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: the quality or state of being unstable

especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

Synonyms

• unsteadiness
• precariousness
• unstableness
• insecurity

Examples of instability in a Sentence

Investors are worried about the current instability of the stock market.

The patient has a history of emotional instability.

Recent Examples on the Web

Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula and surrounding Pacific Rim regions continued to experience seismic instability, with dozens of aftershocks being reported on Saturday by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025

From administrative instability to the politicization of teaching and the ethical use of AI, educators believe the stakes have never felt higher. —Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

The back and forth and periods of pause have created instability for individual businesses and industry sectors, both in the U.S. and abroad. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Aug. 2025

Noem can grant Temporary Protected Status to people of various countries already in the U.S. if conditions in the home country prevent a safe return, such as natural disaster or political instability. —Janie Har, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids Definition

instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being unstable

Medical Definition

instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural instabilities

: the quality or state of being unstable

especially : lack of emotional or mental stability